Opening the skill descriptions, the entire System window enlarged, revealing a massive sea of text that displayed information about all the skills:
Black Mist: Releases a massive burst of darkness around the user, creating a domain where the enemy's vision is blinded.
Shadow Step: Grants the user the ability to leap through shadows, as long as any kind of shadow is present. While in this state, the user becomes invincible to all physical attacks.
Darkness Manifestation [Unawakened]: Turns the user into the embodiment of darkness itself, as a cloak of shadows covers their body like armor, enhancing all dark-attribute skills the user possesses. Currently at Stage 1, unawakened, locking away the majority of the skill's potential.
ALL SEEING EYE: A unique ability granted by the System, allowing the player to see the stats of other players.
Current stage: Unawakened
The skill can awaken and break through ranks, granting more privileges and usage.
Note: Skills can break through ranks when they reach a certain level.
To awaken, certain requirements must be met.
---
"Hmm..."
So in short, I just got a smokescreen, an agility ability, and some kind of transformation to enhance them.
The interface is the same as the game...
"So, like, where are the offensive skills?"
The System returned to its normal size, not replying for a long time. It just stayed blank—until finally:
[Use your fists]
That line seemed to get on Dalton's nerves.
You little sh— You think I'm joking?
Clenching his fists, he leaned toward the System window with an annoyed expression.
Now listen, you useless thing, and answer: Where ARE the offensive skills?!
[Okay okay, jokes aside...]
[You can use kicks as well.]
"SHUT UP!"
Finally losing his temper, Dalton swung his clenched fist at the window—but tough luck for poor Dalton, as his punch went straight through the holographic window and slammed into the hard wall.
"ARGHH!! FU—..."
He stopped mid-sentence, biting the inside of his mouth, then glared at the System.
[Okay, finally, jokes aside.]
[To get more skills, player, you can obtain them the same way as in the game—by learning them, buying them from a shop, or meeting unique requirements.]
Still glaring, the annoyance hadn't faded.
"Sigh... Just like the game, you say? Open the shop."
Once again, the System window enlarged.
---
SHOP
Coins: 0
Skill Shop
DIVINE PUNISHMENT – SSS Rank: 78 million
Dragon's Infernal Breath – SSS Rank: 57 million
---
Staring at those sky-high prices, Dalton didn't have much to say.
"...."
"You're doing this to mock me again, aren't you?"
[YES]
Taking deep breaths, Dalton fought the urge to lash out again, not falling for the System's obvious provocation.
Can you PLEASE stop messing around? I don't have time to waste on you all day.
[How boring... Fine.]
[Which skills are you looking for then, player?]
Lemme think...
Closing his eyes, Dalton went into deep focus, trying to remember the skills he used to beat the game.
Show "Graveyard of Swords" and "Skill Eater."
---
SHOP
Coins: 0
Skills
Graveyard of Swords – S Rank: 2.5 million coins
Allows the user to summon magical swords of different attributes. There is no limit to the number, as long as the vessel has enough mana.
Skill Eater – A Rank: 700K coins
The user has a 10% chance to absorb and acquire the skills of enemies slain by their own hands.
---
With a hand on his chin, as if planning something:
Seems like at least the skills I used back then as a gamer are still here.
I just need to find a way to farm money. Now, what's next...?
As he thought about his next step, a crucial thing came to mind. He quickly made his way to the table, where a diary lay.
Opening it—not to read, but to rip out the old pages—he cleared it until only the blank ones remained. Taking a pen, he began writing.
The System followed him, confused by the sudden action.
[What are you doing, player?]
Dalton kept writing, not glancing at the System.
What does it look like? If I really am inside the game "Hero of Asthia," that means the events will happen just as they did in the game.
And before I forget the order, I need to write it all down.
After half an hour of nonstop writing, nearly 20 pages were filled with a clean roadmap outlining how the game's events progressed from his memory—the hidden quests, events, and easter eggs.
Tossing the pen aside, he stared at the map he'd created.
Hah... finally all done.
The Unknown Disease... The Dragon Raid... The Devil's Academy... The Tower of No End... and finally, The Battle of Gods.
The five major events in the game.
He looked through the other pages, which mentioned small events and hidden quests he'd completed while clearing the game.
Now that everything was done, Dalton turned back to the System.
The important work finished, it was finally time to test the skills.
His gamer instincts burned with excitement—the thrill of trying out the abilities he once only used in-game... now, in real life.